The Life of a Realtor

A career as a real estate agent is both challenging and rewarding.

For a real estate agent, every day brings new challenges and new opportunities. Real estate agents are entrepreneurs. They are paid only when they sell a house. Though the rewards can be great, expect to work hard.

Networking

The successful real estate agent is constantly marketing himself and his services. Networking with past and future clients is essential to success. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average house sells once every seven years. As a real estate agent, it's important to be at the forefront of a potential client's mind when he decides to sell.

Hours

Successful real estate agents run all over town, house to house, client to client. The hours are long and sporadic. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says that often a real estate agent must work more than 40 hours a week and accommodate clients during evenings and weekends.

Pay

Real estate agents work on commission.

A real estate agent works on commission. This means that if you don't sell a house, you won't get paid. In order to get a good commission each month, you must have a high volume of homes to sell, or sell higher-priced homes.

References

• REALTORMag: 5 Innovative Ways to Market Yourself
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

Resources

• National Association of Realtors: Careers in Real Estate